ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 STARS
When I saw this book at the book store, I wasn't sure if it would be something I would like. I normally LOVE a fantasy about a princess attempting to save her kingdom from afar, but a story like this one seems to be overdone. I didn't end up buying it during that trip, but decided a couple of days later that I absolutely needed to read it. I am so glad that I did!
What I thought would be a standard run-of-the-mill fantasy turned out to be one of the most captivating stories I've read in a while. It seems that most of the books I've read over the last couple of years have been average. I am so pleased to say that this was definitely not the case with Shielded!
The main character, Jennesara, was a badass, without coming off as overly pretentious. She had a goal in mind and stopped at nothing to achieve it. She's a warrior, but not one that is out for blood. She feels deeply and protects those around her, even if she ends up hurting herself. She is one of the most like
able characters I've read in a while.
Prince Enzo is one of the most well fleshed-out love interests I've ever read about. I don't want to say too much about him, but will say how excited I am to see how his and Jenna's story continues in the second book, Untethered.
The worldbuilding in this story was done very well, in a way that was not at all info-dumpy. My only complaint is that there was no map included in the book, so I couldn't really visualize the places that were mentioned.
I was hooked after the first chapter. I was excited to continue the story every time I sat down to read it. The pacing was very quick, but not overwhelming. I loved all of the twists and turns, felt the betrayals of some characters, and felt the losses Jenna felt.
Overall, I loved this book! It was a roller coaster of twists and turns, all of which were well-thought-out. I am so glad that I decided to pick it up after all, and would definitely recommend anyone who loves a good quest-fantasy to do so as well.
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